Injury rules Irfan Pathan out of Challengers

All-Rounder, Irfan Pathan faces a long lay-off after sustaining a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the Challenger Trophy and puts him in a race against time for the start of the domestic season.

Irfan was originally named in the India 'A' squad that is currently playing West Indies 'A' in three unofficial ODI matches in Bangalore, but was later replaced on account of his injury. Expressing disappointment over his injury, Irfan thanked his fans on twitter for all the support that they showered on him. " Thank u all for the wishes.should be back on the field in around 6 weeks.i understand few fans r disappointed so m I.bt don't worry#faith", he tweeted.

Irfan was supposed to lead the India Red team in the upcoming Challenger Trophy, but has now been replaced by young Kerala pacer, Sandeep Warrier. "Irfan Pathan has been ruled out of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy, due to injury," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement.

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has replaced him with Sandeep Warrier in the India Red squad," he added.

The Challenger trophy will be played at Indore with India Blue taking on domestic champions, Delhi in the first match on September 26.